Olympian applies for tennis courts lighting outside Sidmouth

six-time Olympian Mary King MBE has applied for retrospective permission for floodlights on the tennis courts at her Salcombe Regis home.

East Devon District Council (EDDC) said the courts would benefit ‘local and national interests’ when it granted the equestrian star permission for the courts at Thorn Farm last year.

She and her daughter Emily are accomplished eventing riders who need to maintain their fitness and stamina for national and international competitions, says the application.

It adds that this is not feasible in the winter months when daylight is limited, so lights were fitted to the courts – but the requirement for planning consent was ‘overlooked’.

A lighting specialist has recommended the applicants fit a ‘visor’ to the lights to prevent upward light ‘spill’ into the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The plans say the Olympain’s success in eventing attracts sponsorship and other income streams, which benefits the local economy.

EDDC will decide the fate of the application.